The CBD South East Light Rail project has commenced a new phase, with daytime testing starting in Randwick. As testing continues it is important to educate people on how to interact with light rail.
According to Transport for NSW, people have misconceptions about trams. For example that trams are loud and it will be easy to hear them approaching, or that trams can stop quickly or move to avoid a crash. The fact is, trams are quiet. Similar to buses and other heavy vehicles, trams do take a longer distance to stop.
Light rail is something new for most of Sydney and people are uncertain of how to behave around light rail corridors and trams.
Transport for NSW has launched a safety campaign “Be Aware, There’s A Tram There” to educate road users, pedestrians and cyclists about how to safely operate and move about near the light rail during the testing and commissioning phase of the project which is now underway.
Please remember that:
- Road conditions may have changed
- Trams cannot stop easily or quickly
- Trams are quiet, pedestrians should look out (both directions) before they step out
- Bicycle riders are not permitted to ride in the tram lanes, and when travelling through intersection cross the tracks on an angle
For drivers and operators of heavy vehicles:
- New signals are now in place for trams, always stop on the red
- Never turn in front of tram
- For heavy vehicles, look for overhead wire height restrictions, a general height restriction of 4.6 metre is in place, excluding Eddy Avenue in the CBD which is lower.
For more information and updates on the progress of light rail, visit http://sydneylightrail.transport.nsw.gov.au/safety
